By TONY BELLISSIMO
The Eagles' roster goes only 20 deep, but coach John Kostkowicz is excited about the talent level.
"Filling every weight class is going to be a challenge this season, but once we get healthy we'll have only one or two holes in the lineup," Kostkowicz said. "We have a lot of potential, with a bunch of kids capable of being All-County."
Senior super heavyweight Jeff St. Simon appears to be the favorite on paper to take home the 285-pound county title in February. St. Simon placed fourth in the county last season, and each of the top three finishers graduated. "Jeff's in great shape," Kostkowicz said. "He's strong and experienced. He's probably going to be first when the rankings come out, but that's not an easy place to be because everyone will be out to beat him."
Senior captain Milton Guardado fell one win shy of All-County status a year ago and doesn't want to come up short again. He's competing at 140. "Milton's hoping to finish in the top three," Kostkowicz said. "He's got strength, stamina and speed. He can be elusive."
Guardado's workout partner, 135-pound junior captain Argyrios Pappas, has All-County aspirations after qualifying for the tournament as a sophomore and getting a taste of what it's like to perform on the big stage. "He has improved each year, and he's still developing," Kostkowicz said. "He's talented on his feet and tough to take down."
If healthy, junior Justin Gardner (130) can do a lot of damage. His sophomore campaign was cut short by a broken wrist, and he's just about set to return to action from a broken hand suffered during the football season. "Justin has the ability to surprise," Kostkowicz said.
Junior Steven Bravo has three years of varsity experience and is a returning county qualifier. He's up one weight class, going from 145 to 152. "Steven's consistent and someone who can make his presence felt," Kostkowicz said.
Junior Steven Cruz (285) will benefit from daily battles with St. Simon and is sure to help the Eagles in tournament action. Freshmen Arsal Lacarte (119) and Ryan Rosa (145) are strong and scrappy, and they got their first taste of varsity action last Thursday when Central hosted Valley Stream North and Wheatley in a double dual meet tournament.
"The kids are showing up every day, working hard and learning," Kostkowicz said. "We've got a young team. To be successful we need to avoid pins and do all the little things well. Every point counts."
The Eagles are part of a conference that includes Plainedge, Division, Great Neck South, Port Washington and Jericho. Central hosts a six-team tournament on Jan. 26, just in time to prepare for the dual meet team playoffs and county qualifier.
Comments about this story? tbellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
